Sambalpur: Two Arrested in Temple Theft Case in Sambalpur, Stolen Cash and Scooter Seized
Sambalpur: The Sadar Police Station arrested two people related to a theft that occurred at the Maneswar Mandir and Pathei Durga Mandir in the neighborhood. At both temples, donation boxes (hundi) were broken during the incident.
Details of the Theft Incident
According to the information provided by Sadar SDPO Tufan Bag, the theft occurred on the night of November 14/15. Four youths from Kudopali, Panidunguripada—Byomkesh Mirdha (26), Kishore Mirdha (25), Rinku, and Raju—had planned to steal from the temples in the Maneswar area. Byomkesh and Kishore traveled on a scooter, while Rinku and Raju used a motorcycle to reach the temples.
Once at the Durga Mandir, they broke the lock of the temple gate and smashed the donation box to steal the cash inside. They also took a gas cylinder from the temple premises and quickly fled the scene.
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Police Investigation and Arrests
The Sadar Police opened an inquiry into the incident after receiving a complaint. On November 23/24, the police received a report of another theft at the Mandhata Mandir, where the thieves took money and damaged the donation box. During the inquiry, the police discovered that the same gang of young people committed both thefts.
On the night of the crime, the thieves had used a scooter and a motorcycle to travel to the temples. After breaking open the donation boxes, they took all the money and escaped.
Recovery of Stolen Items
The stolen money was spent in parts by the thieves. When the police acted swiftly and raided their locations, they managed to arrest Byomkesh Mirdha and Kishore Mirdha. From them, the police recovered Rs. 10,220 in cash, two mobile phones, and a scooter.
Efforts to Arrest the Other Suspects
While two of the thieves were arrested, the other two—Rinku and Raju—managed to flee. The police are continuing their efforts to capture them.
The arrested thieves, Byomkesh and Kishore, were presented in court on Sunday, as confirmed by SDPO Tufan Bag.
